Congratulations on the purchase of your new flute from the Kassa Flute Co.!
Your Fula flute is crafted with care using a combination of durable materials. The body is made from furniture-grade polyvinyl tubing, known for its strength, resistance to impact, and insensitivity to temperature changes. These qualities were crucial in our decision to construct flutes this way, as a reliable alternative to the traditional tanbin vine used in West Africa, which often posed challenges in colder, dry weather or during travel. Over the years, we’ve perfected this construction method to faithfully replicate the rich sound and tonal qualities of the tanbin wood.
The embouchure (mouthpiece) and decorative elements are made from a traditional blend of black beeswax native to West Africa. Additionally, your flute is adorned with cowrie shells, fabric, and other natural or organic materials, depending on the design you selected.
Care Instructions
To ensure the longevity of your flute, please keep the following care instructions in mind:
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Temperature Sensitivity: The beeswax on the embouchure is sensitive to temperature. It will melt in extreme heat, so avoid leaving your flute in hot environments like a car or near a fire. Extreme cold can also cause the wax to dry out and crack.
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Handling and Storage: While the flute’s body is robust and impact-resistant, the embouchure and cowrie shells are delicate and can break if dropped or bumped against hard surfaces like stone or countertops. We recommend storing your flute in a protective case or bag (available from Kassa Flute Co. and other retailers) or wrapping it in a soft towel or blanket. Take care when placing your flute on hard surfaces.
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Repairs: In case of damage, your flute can often be repaired. Minor damage, such as cracks in the beeswax, can be fixed at home by gently heating the wax with a lighter or candle and reshaping the embouchure. For more severe damage, you can send the flute back to us for professional repair; you will only need to cover the shipping costs.
By following these care guidelines and properly storing your flute when not in use, you can ensure that it will last a lifetime. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Thank you once again for choosing Kassa Flute Co. We wish you many joyful moments of music-making!
More Resources:
Kassa Academy:
Fula Flute 101: The Scales
Kassa Academy:
Fula Flute Listening Resources